Bacterial swimmers that infiltrate and take over the biofilm matrix

Ali Houry, et al.2012, PNAS.109,13088–13093

Speaker: Yong-Shiang Cao (曹詠翔)                            Time: 14:00~15:00,Nov. 28,2012

Commentator: Prof. Jiunn-Jong Wu(吳俊忠 教授)  Place: Room 601

Abstract

Microorganisms undergo profound changes during their transition from planktonic (free-swimming) organisms to biofilm. Biofilm is commonly formed on inert or living surface, it can cause serious problems of treatment biofilm-related infections and for microbial elimination in industrial settings. The interchanges between planktonic cell (swimmers) and biofilm is still unclear. In this study, the swimmers of bacilli have ability to tunnel deep within a biofilm and creating transient pores that irrigate the biofilm and facilitate entry of macromolecules. Formation of transient pores help bacteria improve nutrient availability and reduce harmful gradients (e.g., of pH, of secreted toxic end products). Conversely, swimming heterologous bacteria, particularly those expressing antimicrobial products, may destroy and replace a preexisting population. Collectively, this study illustrates how planktonic motile bacteria with high kinetic energy, such as motile bacilli, can act as invaders, leading to dissolution of heterologous biofilms and repopulation of the matrix. An application of this finding can facilitate access to currently used surface disinfectants and biocides to against the biofilm on industrial settings and to the elimination of pathogens in skin, nasal, or digestive infections.

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